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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
refer the same
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "refer the same" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in legal or formal contexts where one is directing someone to refer to a previously mentioned item or document. Example: "Please refer the same to the appropriate department for further action."
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
They typically rely on dated networks, and often refer the same people to many clients at once based on availability.
News & Media
It is technically open for the President, on Cabinet's advice, to refer the same matter to the Tribunal for its re-consideration.
Wiki
To make them more comparable across models and data sets, we scaled the relative substitution rates so they refer the same unit of time, that in which we expect to see exactly one change per site.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
It refers the same type of complexity information that has been decoded most recently without extra modeling or estimation algorithms.
a"Fit" refers to the degree to which the linkages refer to the same population and conditions.
When different articles refer to the same system or project, the references are listed together.
"I" and "Lev" do not refer to the same things (even though my name is Lev).
Science
All references to elderberry liquid extract in this study refer to the same proprietary, standardized extract.
(The terms all refer to the same wireless system).
News & Media
They don't refer to the same thing.
News & Media
I think they refer to the same thing".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "refer the same", ensure clarity by specifying exactly what 'the same' is. Avoid ambiguity by rephrasing if necessary.
Common error
Avoid using "refer the same" without a clear antecedent. Ensure the reader understands what 'the same' refers to, or rephrase to be more explicit.
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "refer the same" functions as a directive, instructing the recipient to consider a previously mentioned item or concept. It implies a connection or relationship with something already established within the context. Ludwig shows various examples where similar structures are employed in academic and professional writing.
Frequent in
Science
67%
News & Media
22%
Wiki
11%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while "refer the same" is grammatically acceptable, it's a relatively rare and somewhat formal phrase. Ludwig indicates that its primary function is directive, connecting new information to a previously established context. It's most commonly encountered in scientific and news-related sources. For clarity and naturalness, consider using alternatives like "mention the same" or "refer to it". When using the phrase, always ensure that the referenced item is explicitly clear to avoid ambiguity.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
mention the same
Replaces "refer" with "mention", focusing on the act of noting something previously stated.
mentions the same
Similar to "mention the same" but uses the third-person singular form of the verb.
references the same
Substitutes "refer" with "references", emphasizing a formal citation or allusion to the same subject.
relate the same
Substitutes "refer" with "relate", emphasizing a connection or association between items.
cite the same
Replaces "refer" with "cite", suggesting a direct quotation or explicit reference to the same subject.
indicate the same
Replaces "refer" with "indicate", suggesting that something points to or signifies the same thing.
describe the same
Substitutes "refer" with "describe", focusing on providing details about the same subject.
designate the same
Replaces "refer" with "designate", implying that something specifically identifies or labels the same thing.
address the same
Changes from "refer" to "address", implying directly dealing with the same issue.
allude to the same
Replaces "refer" with "allude to", indicating an indirect or subtle reference to the same subject.
FAQs
How can I use "refer the same" in a sentence?
You can use "refer the same" when you want to direct someone's attention back to something previously mentioned, as in "Please "refer the same" to the document provided earlier".
What are some alternatives to "refer the same"?
Alternatives include "mention the same", "reference the same", or "relate the same" depending on the context. Using "it" or "back to it" may often be more natural.
Is it grammatically correct to say "refer the same"?
While not strictly incorrect, "refer the same" can sound awkward. It's generally clearer and more common to say "refer to it" or "refer back to it".
What is the difference between "refer the same" and "refer to it"?
"Refer the same" implies directing attention back to something specific already mentioned. "Refer to it" is a more general way to direct attention to something, but ensure to know what "it" means.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
77%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested